Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis stands as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's growth. If collected close to the scalp, hair can furnish a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising approximately 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for analysis. For EtG, add-ons, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When referring to head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming the sample was sealed correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes an initial check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use on most samples, a positive result needs further confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples with a presumptively positive result during Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptively positive result in Screening, additional hair from the original sample is gathered for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any Screening positive result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Newburg, PA, the superiority of hair follicle tests over urine tests is clear. They provide superior detection accuracy and reliability, ensuring that drug use is effectively identified. Unlike urine tests, hair tests boast a significantly longer detection period and are less susceptible to manipulation, offering a comprehensive picture of substance use history and instilling confidence in the results.
For employers and professionals in Newburg, PA, hair follicle tests present a significant advantage due to their extended detection window. These tests can identify drug use up to 90 days prior, offering a detailed view of an individual's substance use history. This comprehensive look back helps make informed decisions based on a fuller understanding of an applicant’s or employee’s past behavior.
In Newburg, PA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests provides peace of mind. They significantly lower the risk of sample adulteration, producing reliable and definitive results every time. The difficult-to-tamper-with characteristics make these tests far superior to traditional methods, reinforcing their dependability in sensitive screening situations.
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including those in Newburg, PA, accessing hair follicle tests is convenient and hassle-free. These strategically located centers ensure that your testing needs are met quickly and efficiently, whether locally or across various cities, maintaining easy access to our comprehensive services.
Our process in Newburg, PA is both simple and confidential, ensuring privacy is upheld while remaining straightforward. From ordering to testing, and finally, receiving results, each step is designed to be user-friendly and confidential, addressing any concerns regarding privacy and ease-of-use seamlessly.
Offering affordable pricing in Newburg, PA, our hair follicle testing ensures excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Coupled with speedy turnaround times, we provide organizations with cost-effective, prompt solutions, reinforcing our commitment to quality and client satisfaction without compromising on reliability.
Hair follicle drug tests in Newburg, PA, offer fast and accurate results, ensuring confidence in the detection of substance use. Their remarkable precision is unmatched, swiftly identifying any illicit substances that may have been consumed. The rapid delivery of results adds to their appeal, making them a go-to choice for timely and dependable diagnostics.
Employers in Newburg, PA, find compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This reliable method supports drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risk and promoting a safe working environment. By ensuring adherence to these standards, businesses can focus on productivity, assured that their policies are both robust and enforceable.
